Local students help in creation of ‘Tree of Unity’

LAUREL — Laurel-Concord-Coleridge High School students in art and industrial technology recently collaborated with local artist Mike Fluent to complete and install an alumni tree, entitled “The Tree of Unity.”

The original plans included a more hands-on experience for the students.

With school moving to the virtual platform in the spring of 2020 and local Directed Health Measures, it became nearly impossible. However, some students were able to travel to Wayne, to Fluent’s workshop to see progress and offer feedback and suggestions.

They also helped in the transport and installation of the tree in the school’s alumni hallway.

The Tree of Unity’s trunk is made from stainless steel rods and the leaves are hand-cut by Fluent from stainless steel.

The base is on a tilt and has a map of the LCC school district. The face of the base allows for change and additions to the frame.

Both the art department and industrial arts programs are working on other options to add to the sculpture.

Fluent said he really enjoyed the project.

“It has been a joy to interact with the students. It is my hope that this project will inspire the students that art comes in all different forms. We are working towards additional aspects of the sculpture including expanding mediums used,” he said.

Stay in the know!

To get news alerts on your cell phone, get the Cedar County News app in the ITunes store or  in the Google Play Store.